Day 1 - Granada

The first day in Granada has been extremely eye-opening. This city has been previously colonized by both the Spanish and British as is reflective in its architecture. Also, the backdrop is a large volcano and Lago de Nicaragua. Apparently, this lake takes 15 hours to cross by boat!

I was awoken by the mother of my host family around 7am so that I would have time to get ready before I went to school. She prepared Corn Flakes with fresh papaya and oranges for my desayuno. I was hesitant to eat the fruit, but it was still in its skin, so I figured I would take a taste and see how I fared. Around 8am, I was brought to the Spanish school and given a key by the ¨head master¨. She then introduced me to my instructor, Carla. She is very sweet and couldn´t be any older than I am.

We began with an exam to evaluate my skills which are by no means developed. Having completed what I was able, we began with some simple vocabulary and verb structure. This week will be great for me to cultivate my language skills and also to get comfortable living with a family. I had lessons until 10am at which time we have a half hour break. I was given a Nicaraguan cell phone for the month and was thrilled as mine has not been properly picking up signal. This school is great because my lessons are one-on-one so that I set the pace of each subject dependent upon my understanding level. There are a few other girls in the school this week, but they have lessons together and volunteer in a school in the afternoon. Around 1030, we recommence and continue until noon.

Each day, I have a break in medio dia - noon- until 3pm. I headed home for lunch and was greeted by the entire family who would eat intermittantly dependent upon when they would head back to work. In the house, there are 8 members including the mother and head of the household, her three daughters and one son as well as three grand children. I ate with one of her daughters and grand daughters who are completely baffled by the fact that I barely understand what they are saying and cannot properly respond. It is a crazy feeling not to be able to communicate, but Ill get there. We had chicken soup and rice, beans and boiled plantains. The fresh pàpaya juice was fantastic as well. Following our meal, I took an hour siesta and completed my homework for school.

Around 3p, I headed back to school for a tour of the city. We walked down to the lake which I understood was polluted in most parts, but in the center, there is still a thriving fish trade by the Isla de Ometepe. Carla explained the history of the lake and volcano as well as the traditions of the city of Granada. We continued walking toward the central park and wandered through the mercato. It reminded me a bit of Italy where vendors were saying whatever they could to get your attention. They sold shoes, clothing and food. Apparently, in Masaya a bit closer to Managua, there is a great artisan market where it is best to make purchases. There is not much poverty in Granada as the city has become extremely desirable to ex-pats rendering it unaffordable to most lower economic families. There is also a house which has been established to aid working women. They hold courses in English, sewing, computers, etc at no cost. I am happy that we were able to tour a bit so that I could see what else the city has to offer aside from what I have noticed in my walk to and from school.

Once our walk was complete, I headed back to the house for cena. Not understandng how, I was completely wiped out after all of this activity. I ate quickly with the family before excusing myself to go to bed.